Charlie Kirk, co-founder of the conservative organization Turning Point USA and one of Donald Trump’s most vocal allies, was shot dead during a rally at Utah Valley University. Local authorities have stated that the suspect is believed to have acted alone and remains at large.
The incident has shaken the American political spectrum, drawing immediate condemnation from representatives of both major parties. President Donald Trump, who had publicly supported Kirk on numerous occasions, ordered flags to be flown at half-staff in mourning and briefly addressed the situation before reporters.
“I can’t believe it… what a wonderful young man he was,” Trump said, according to the BBC.
When asked whether he had contacted or planned to contact Kirk’s family, Trump responded:
“I will take care of that this afternoon.”
The President emphasized the need for national unity in the face of this tragedy:
“We will talk [about this]. You can’t replace a Charlie Kirk. He was unique, as you all know… but we will do our best.”
He concluded:
“What you are seeing in the news is what it is.”
Investigations into Kirk’s killing are ongoing, while security forces continue to pursue the suspected perpetrator, who is believed to have fled the scene through a wooded area near the campus.
